And people often forget that C2 itself is an evolution of C1 which began in 2004 in Europe. Larger vehicles using EUCD were regarded as C1+ because they used a lot of shared power train, suspension and construction modules.   The best part of C2 is its maturity of design and adaptability to modern requirements, being able to build vehicles from small compacts to large mid-sized utilities and cars gives Ford one of the broadest product envelopes it ever had.

Well, you also only get to decades of being build with only minor changes by actually sticking with something and not starting over every X years....   That's what I was getting at - it seemed C2 was finally that platform that could underpin several smaller models for a few decades, and now they're working on something else.

Sure there is.  EREV = EV with ICE generator (doesn't power the wheels directly), HEV = ICE + EV power, both can power the wheels.   I think the biggest hurdle for Lightning (and EV trucks in general) is the range, or lack thereof, and long charging times that magnify range issues, especially when performing typical truck duties (towing, etc).   If an EREV can eliminate those issues by giving longer range with an on-board generator, which simultaneously largely (if not completely) eliminates charging issues, why would customers not accept it?   Remember, Ford was able to transition most "entrenched" to the twin-turbo V6s because buyers saw the value.  Granted that's a lesser step as TTV6/V8 are both ICE, but the point is that if customers see the benefit of a new powertrain, they'll go for it.  Customers have been wary of EV truck efforts so far because the equivalent capability isn't where the market wants them.   I'm optimistic, but It'll be on Ford to market it properly and make sure people know what it has and can do.

I saw one of these on a trailer over the weekend, and it looks as bad in person as the photos.

For as many recalls as Ford has had, they're still right in the middle of the pack.   Kudos to GM doing well with all 4 brands.

Well, C2 has been around since 2018....but while Toyota gets a pass for using chassis designs with minor updates, when Ford does it....Fox to SN95, Panther updated several times, etc...they get beat up over it. C2 will likely be around for at least another 10 years unless CE1 can be modified to become hybrid and ICE powered....kinda like when GE1 was developed from C2 for use in Mach E.

Price

I think that EREVs will be disappointing for consumers.  There isn't enough clarity on the difference between EREV and HEV, combined with the "entrenched" mindset of the Pickup buyers, I can see how a product like this won't meet customer expectations   

I think c2 is ok from a cost standpoint just not great, but it doesn't have decades of being built with only minor changes like Toyota's platforms.  I just think ce1 showed them even bigger opportunities for low cost.

The funny thing is that it seemed like they just got it sorted out with C2.